My Grandfather Lucien Begin, a Lewiston grocer, enjoyed dabbling in real estate. When he heard there was a new Old Orchard Beach exit planned off the turnpike back in 1953, he knew nearby oceanfront hotels would benefit. I'm sure he didn't know it was the beginning of a three-generation legacy building over 50 years.
Simonne and Gerry learned the ins and outs of the business hands-on, and the hard way. Somehow, they still found time to become active members of the Maine Innkeepers Association, and the OOB Chamber of Commerce. They developed innovations of their own along the way, such as a summer visit each year from the Quebec Winter Carnival, and Labor Day lobster bakes.
In 1984 as my parents were considering selling the property, I was graduating from college and discovering in myself a strong urge to continue the family business, and after managing the property on a trial basis, entered into a purchase agreement in 1987. From there, along with the help of my wife Katy, we've made many changes and expanded the legacy to include the White Lamb and Scrub Pine cottages.
My grandfather Lucien died in 1962, too early for me to have any memories of him. But I would love to have the opportunity to have him pull up a chair by the fire in the lobby, and chat with him about the changes in Old Orchard and in our family business over the last 50 years. And I'd love to hear where he thought we should go in the next 50 years. Of course, I have a few ideas of my own in that area...
Thanks for being a part of my family's tradition.
Pierre
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